Beta Theta Pi Oral History Project
Beta Theta Pi has partnered with Publishing Concepts Inc. (PCI) to collect stories from Beta alumni in their own words. These stories will be preserved in a book that celebrates who you are today and the lasting impact Beta has had on your life. Alumni will then be able to purchase the book, with a portion of the project’s proceeds benefitting Beta Theta Pi.
Helping You Stay Connected
As part of this project, the Fraternity is also taking the opportunity to learn more about its alumni and make it easier for you to stay connected with Beta Theta Pi. PCI will help by collecting updated contact information from members who have moved, changed email addresses or started a new job.
Telling Your Story
Which Beta memories will you share?
- Did a brother, advisor or alumnus have a profound impact on your life?
- What is your most precious memory tied to Beta Theta Pi?
- Did you find your Beta Sweetheart as part of your experience?
- Can you trace your career path back to a defining moment in Beta, at an event or in a role you served in?
- Have connections you made as a collegiate member become lifelong friendships?
- Did other members of your family join Beta Theta Pi (are you a legacy)?
- How do you think your life would be different today if you had not become a Beta?
What Happens Next?
Beginning fall 2024, Beta alumni will receive email and postcard communications from the PCI team with instructions for participating. The Fraternity invites you to share your stories and take part in this project to preserve alumni experiences and voices. The PCI team will collect stories through February 2025. After that, a post-production phase begins and data is expected to be finalized and the book distributed by spring 2026.
About PCI
Collecting stories from 140,000 living Beta alumni is a massive undertaking, and one the Fraternity’s staff cannot do alone. Similar to 2020’s Beta Census project, PCI’s professional staff will be utilized in order to receive calls and capture alumni memories in an effective and efficient manner.
Rest assured: Beta Theta Pi has only shared your contact information with PCI for the purposes of executing this fun and meaningful project and it will not be sold or used for external marketing purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I contact with questions about the Oral History Project?
Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1.800.982.1590 or customerservice@publishingconcepts.com for any issues related to orders or with general questions about the project.
I was contacted by a company asking for my personal information and a story about Beta Theta Pi. Is this a legitimate project?
Yes it is! Beta has partnered with PCI (Publishing Concepts) to create a high-quality oral history publication for the Fraternity. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas with over 100 years of experience publishing directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities and military organizations.
This project allows the Fraternity to record and archive your personal experiences as a Beta and learn how the organization has shaped your life in the years since. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to update your member record with current contact information.
Does Beta Theta Pi benefit from this at all?
Yes, in several ways:
- Updated Information | Ensures members remain engaged by receiving communication from the General Fraternity and their home chapters.
- Legacy | Sharing and collecting stories preserves the history of this esteemed organization.
- Revenue | Generates donation revenue for member programs
- Pride | Rekindles a member’s love for the organization through the recollection of fond memories and/or the purchase of official apparel.
How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?
PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law.
I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How can I do this?
- If you received a postcard or email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify the information Beta has on file for you, make any updates and then ask you to share your story about your time at Beta Theta Pi. These memories will be recorded and shared with Beta Theta Pi at the conclusion of the project.
- If you received an email with an embedded link, you may visit the online site to review your information and submit a story.
- If you are living internationally or are unable to call the update line, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send a personalized link so you can share your written story and photo.
How can I participate if I am deaf/hard of hearing?
If you would like to participate and are deaf or hard of hearing, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link so you can share your written story and photo.
Can I choose what information prints in the publication?
The only information included in the publication will be your name, chapter, story and photo. No other contact information will be printed. When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your Beta Theta Pi member record. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before February 28, 2025, by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1.800.982.1590 or customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.
I updated my information but need more time to think about what experience to share. Is that OK?
Absolutely! You can call back at any time before February 28, 2025, to share your story.
I shared a story and the representative said I could send a photo. How do I do this?
You will receive an email with a link to upload one photo (black and white or color) plus a caption. If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send a physical photo in to be printed. (Note: The photo will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.)
Can anyone purchase a book?
Beta Theta Pi’s oral history publication is available for sale only to Beta Theta Pi members.
I ordered a book/package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?
Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1.800.982.1590 and they will take care of this for you.
In addition to the book, are there other items for purchase?
Yes! This project also offers a chance to purchase Beta Theta Pi apparel items, including a crewneck sweatshirt, Beta crest T-shirt and a Beta-branded travel bag. Note there is no obligation to purchase in order to share your story.
I ordered a book/package over the phone. When will I receive my book and/or apparel items?
Apparel items ordered before October 31 will be delivered by December 1. Apparel items ordered after October 31 will be delivered by March 31, 2025. Because of the time required to produce, edit, organize and proof, all books will be delivered by September 1, 2025.
